February is Dental Month!
Proper oral health is just as important for our pets as it is for us. Pets need routine dental care to maintain good overall health. Our Veterinarians can tailor a dental program especially for your pet. This may include at home care combined with routine professional cleanings.
Call today to schedule your pet for an exam and dental cleaning. Spaces are limited.
DENTAL HOME CARE
Daily or frequent home dental care does make a big difference in the health of your pet’s teeth, and it will help their breath smell better! The sooner you start this habit, the easier it will become. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Tip #1: Daily brushing at home
• Use toothpaste made for pets (they like the flavor better and it doesn’t foam.)
• Start with putting a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and let your pet lick it off, or put a small amount onto the front of your pet’s teeth.
• Once your pet is used to the taste of the toothpaste, try gently rubbing the toothpaste on your pet’s teeth with your finger or a small cloth. Gradually work up to using a “finger toothbrush” or small, soft toothbrush.
• You do not need to open your pet’s mouth when cleaning their teeth. Just try to reach the entire outside of their upper teeth (slide the toothbrush between their teeth and their lips to reach the back teeth), as well as the outside of the front lower teeth.
• If you are not able to brush your pet’s teeth, consider trying a daily mouth rinse made for pets (ask for information about how to use this.)
Tip #2: Dental diets
• Special dental diets are available for dogs and cats. These kibbles are usually large in size (to encourage a gnawing motion with the teeth) and are formulated to help remove dental plaque.
• Alternatively, you can use the kibbles as a daily side treat to supplement your pet’s regular diet.
• A good example of a dental diet is the Hills T/D diet, which you can find at our hospital. Ask us for a sample!
Tip #3: Dental chews
• CET rawhide chews are effective in removing dental plaque.
• If your pet is a good candidate for rawhide chews (i.e., actually gnaws on them and it takes awhile for them to disappear), then using CET rawhide chews once or twice a week can help to keep teeth cleaner.
• If your pet has a sensitive stomach, or gulps down rawhide chews, then we do not recommend using them
• KONG dental toys are also effective for removing dental plaque.
Start your pet’s dental program gradually – be gentle – with just a little practice, this can be a pleasant experience for you and your pet!